Green Bay Packers: 5 potential free agency targets

Dec 21, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (55) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

2. Rolando McClain, Linebacker

One of the main areas of need during the 2014 season was help at the middle linebacker position. Rolando McClain would be able to step into that role and help them out in a big way. Neither A.J. Hawk or Brad Jones should be back next season after their performances this past year, and McClain may leave Dallas without a deal as they look to re-sign Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray.

Take a look at the statistics that McClain put up with the Cowboys last year.

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 2/16/2015.

Needless to say, those numbers are very impressive and it shows exactly how valuable he was to the Cowboys’ defense. He would allow Clay Matthews to slide back outside and focus on pass rushing once again. At 25 years of age, McClain could be a long-term option for the Packers as well.

McClain is a sure tackler and showed a work ethic last season that no one had seen from him throughout his career to that point. He had actually retired for a season after struggling through a few tough seasons with the Oakland Raiders, but got his head on straight and come back with an impressive year. Green Bay would be wise to offer him a deal this offseason.

Inside linebacker is going to be a position that the Packers address, and McClain is the best available option.

Next: 3. Byron Maxwell, Cornerback